Cirque du Soleil adds one more month of performances to the upcoming Toronto engagement of Alegría, now from September 12 – December 1 under the Big Top at Ontario Place. Cirque du Soleil first presented Alegría in April 1994, launching an emblematic show that was to win over more than 14 million spectators in 19 years of touring. In 2019, in conjunction with its 25th anniversary, Cirque du Soleil reinterprets Alegría through today’s creative lens, including updated acrobatics and visual design, as well as new musical arrangements.
Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer, explains the new approach: “Alegría is a rallying anthem for change and hope, which remains a powerful message today. Audiences and employees alike have asked for Alegría‘s return for years, and our fans know that we thrive on innovation and creative risk-taking. For the first time ever, we are creating a distinctive new version of one of our most beloved shows, to ensure it will be as exciting and inspiring today as the original was in 1994.”
Guided by Director of Creation, Daniel Ross, the team behind the production includes members of the original creative team, along with new talent. “Through the process, we have been in regular touch with the original creators, such as Franco Dragone and Guy Laliberté, to ensure we reach the right balance between respecting the essence of the original show and reinterpreting it to meet the expectations of today’s audience”, says Daniel Ross, Director of Creation. “Franco reminded us that his works must evolve as they are not museum pieces, and his excitement was very encouraging. We hope this new version will touch the hearts of spectators in a new way and allow them to relive – or discover for the first time – the emotions that left their mark on millions of people.”
The production brings together an international cast of 53 performers and musicians, setting the timeless story of the power struggle existing between the old ways and the new. From clowns to jugglers to the fearless rope duo and acrobats, Alegria lives true to it’s namesake “Joy”.
For this renewed Alegría, Musical Director & Arranger Jean-Phi Goncalves revisits Dupéré’s legendary melodies to adapt them to the overall atmosphere and story of the new production. “Jean-Phi’s work is to now take these melodies and make them his”, says René Dupéré, Composer. “I’m very pleased with what I’ve heard thus far”.
Tickets are on sale now for Alegria at www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria
Photo credit: Marie-Andrée Lemire / Costumes Dominique Lemieux / Cirque du Soleil 2019
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